Rabies Information

Protect your family and your pets

Rabies is a severe virus that attacks the central nervous system. In the United States, rabies is chiefly a disease of wild mammals, but it can occasionally affect humans. It is spread through contact with the saliva of an infected animal through a bite, scratch or contamination of an open cut.

If a person is exposed, the rabies vaccine is administered and is highly effective in preventing the progression of the disease. If no treatment is sought, once the infected person develops symptoms of rabies, there is no effective treatment and the person will die within a few days.

If you believe you may have come in contact with a rabid animal, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Disinfect the are with iodine if available and you are not allergic. Seek medical attention immediately. The rabies virus incubation period ranges from days to years.

If not treated, rabies is almost always fatal!

You can protect yourself against rabies

Avoid approaching strange animals

Do not handle bats

Report any bite or scratch by a wild animal to the local police department, Sheriff's office, local Public Health department or Animal Control. For children, report to a parent or teacher. Seek medical attention immediately.

Teach children how to behave correctly around an animals to avoid being bitten

Do not handle dead or sick animals

Protect your pets by keeping their rabies vaccinations up-to-date. All dogs in California are required to be vaccinated against rabies

Do not feed wildlife - keep garbage cans covered and pet food secured

HEALTH OFFICIALS:

To report a suspected case of rabies, complete the California Department of Public Health: